Types of Iraqi Kubba: Mosul, Halab, Saray and Potato

Iraqi kubba is a shell — bulgur, rice or potato — wrapped around spiced minced meat. It belongs to the same family as the Levantine kibbeh, but Iraq has its own versions: Mosul kubba with its bulgur-and-jareesh shell, Kubba Halab with a rice shell, potato kubba and Kubba Saray. Kabab Erbil serves all four, plus fried kubba.

Is kubba the same as kibbeh?

Same family, different spelling and different habits. Kibbeh is the Levantine form of the word, and Levantine kibbeh is mostly bulgur. Iraq kept the bulgur and added shells of rice and potato, which is why an Iraqi kubba platter looks so varied. If the spellings confuse you, our Iraqi spelling guide lists them all.

What is Mosul kubba?

The kubba of Mosul, in northern Iraq, and the one Iraqis are proudest of. Its shell is made from bulgur and jareesh (cracked wheat), filled with spiced minced meat. In Mosul it is traditionally shaped as a large, flat round, which is what sets it apart from the small torpedo-shaped kubba most people know.

What is Kubba Halab?

Despite the name — Halab is Aleppo — this is an Iraqi kubba, and its shell is made mainly from rice. That gives it a lighter, crisper outside than bulgur kubba. Cooks tell different stories about how it got the name; what is not in doubt is that in Iraq it is one of the most-ordered kinds.

What are potato kubba and fried kubba?

Potato kubba uses a shell of mashed potato around the same spiced meat, fried golden. Our fried kubba is an assortment, crisp outside and savoury inside — a good way to try several at once.

What is Kubba Saray?

Kubba Saray is served with rice, two pieces to a plate — a main course rather than a starter.

What about kubba hamuth?

Kubba hamuth — sour kubba simmered in a tangy broth — is one of Iraq's great home dishes, usually made in family kitchens rather than restaurants. It is not on our menu.

Which kubba should I order?

For a first visit, the small mixed kubba platter is the easiest way in; for a table of four or more, the large one. Kubba sits naturally beside dolma, the other stuffed Iraqi classic.

Common questions

Is kubba Iraqi or Lebanese?

Both, in different forms. The Levantine and Iraqi traditions share the idea but not the details — our comparison of Iraqi, Lebanese and Syrian food explains where they part ways.

What is jareesh?

Coarsely cracked wheat. Mixed with bulgur, it gives Mosul kubba its texture.

Where does kubba come from?

Kubba is made across Iraq, with Mosul the city most associated with it; The National's history of Iraqi food traces the regional roots of dishes like it, and kibbeh covers the wider family.